For more than two decades now, Iraq-born Shirin has programmed her Arabian Sights film festival that she created in the US capital city created and administer under the Filmfest DC umbrella. A well-chosen American launch-pad for key Arab films, plus European co-productions, this labour of love will celebrate its 30th anniversary in three years from now. The lineup for the latest edition this April included well regarded Arab films such as AMIRA, CASABLANCA BEATS and COSTA BRAVA, LEBANON.